At a Glance

Enrollment

Our students represent more than 20 different ZIP Codes from across the Jackson metro area.

K3 and K4 average 12-14 students per class. Kindergarten and first grade classes average 14-16 students. Grades second through sixth average 18-20 students.

History & Campus

Founded by First Presbyterian Church in 1965 at its current location, FPDS is housed within the church in the historic Belhaven neighborhood near downtown Jackson.

Brian Smith was appointed head of school in 2018, serving as only the fourth headmaster in school history – a unique experience among private schools.

Numerous classrooms have been renovated over the years, including the Idea Lab, library, and a state-of-the-art science lab.

FPDS students have developed friendships and celebrated childhood with many school traditions dating back to the first year of the school, including Field Day, school plays, field trips, and class parties.

Faculty

More than 70 teachers and administrators serve the student body.

One-third of FPDS teachers have earned advanced degrees.

FPDS administrators are encouraged by the Board of Trustees to visit other schools across the country to glean ideas and view other curricula being implemented.

Each faculty member truly has a heart for the Lord, viewing his or her role at FPDS as a Christian calling, not just a job.

Administrators conduct Student Support Team meetings throughout the year. In these meetings, they meet with each teacher as well as the school counselor and director of student services to discuss each child’s strengths and weaknesses so that we may better serve each student.

FPDS is accredited by the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools.

Enrichment Classes

All students participate in both physical education and recess daily and receive weekly instruction in art, library, music, Spanish, and technology.

After-School Activities & Athletics

FPDS offers after-school care for all students until 6:00 p.m.

FPDS competes with other local schools in football (fifth and sixth grades) and swim team (first through sixth grades) and offers cheerleading (fifth and sixth grades), intramural basketball (fifth and sixth grades), and soccer (first through third grades).

After-school enrichment opportunities include classes and lessons in the arts, sciences, and sports.

Sixth Grade Honor Choir, Fifth Grade Choir, and our Strings Music Program (third through sixth grades) are part of the rich history of FPDS.

One-on-one tutoring is available for students who require additional support.

Bible and Chapel

First through sixth grade students attend Bible class four days a week and chapel once a week.

Teachers share devotionals, prayer requests, and prayer time with students daily. Scripture memory and personal application of Biblical truths are part of daily instruction.

Each year, a school-wide mission project is adopted to give students tangible ways to serve God and others.

Crusader Club

Charged with the opportunity to support the ministry of the school, Crusader Club is the parent/teacher organization of FPDS.

Holiday Potpourri is an annual fundraiser led by Crusader Club and the families of FPDS. Since 1974, funds raised through this event have provided an added level of excellence at FPDS, benefitting both faculty and students.

Beyond FPDS

Each year, FPDS graduates are named National Merit Semi-Finalists, hold leadership positions in student government, and receive numerous honors and awards at high schools across the metro-Jackson area.

Graduates attend top colleges and earn advanced degrees and honors from universities around the country.

The list of FPDS graduates reads like a “who’s who” of the Jackson business community.

FPDS alumni serve our community in numerous ways, including service in Boy Scouts, missions, and in churches across the city.

Technology

Technology does not replace curriculum but is integrated throughout, not only to reinforce basic foundational skills, but also to allow our students to collaborate, communicate, and create. A variety of technology resources are available for student use at the school, including iPads and Google Chromebooks in classrooms and the Idea Lab. From limited exposure to iPads in K3 to keyboarding instruction in the first grade to personal Chromebooks in the upper grades, students are well-prepared for the wide world of technology upon graduation from FPDS.

Under the Oaks Summer Program

Available for students who have completed K3 through fifth grades, Under the Oaks is a fun-filled interactive summer for your child. Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Under the Oaks is available during the months of June and July with monthly, weekly, and drop-in options. For more information and fees, visit Under the Oaks.